power up

1 of 2

verb

powered up; powering up; powers up

transitive verb

: to cause to operate
power up the computer

power-up

2 of 2

noun

pow·​er-up ˈpau̇(-ə)r-ˌəp How to pronounce power-up (audio)
variants or less commonly powerup or power up
plural power-ups also powerups or power ups
1
: an item in a video game that makes a player's character more effective by enhancing an attribute (such as speed, health, or strength) or conferring an ability
… a bunch of power-ups at your disposal to help overcome the odds, including the Super Bell—which gives you catlike powers and the ability to climb walls.Jon Bitner
You can use the direction keys on your keyboard to navigate Pac-Man through the maze, gobbling up spheres and power ups while avoiding ghosts.Cassidy Ward
After you collect enough gems and level up, you're able to select another weapon or powerup.Kris Holt
2
: the act of beginning to operate or causing something to operate
Do not use the device if the device requires multiple power-ups prior to going to "ready state" (solid green light) …Contify Life Science News
… on power up, the user will experience the most rapid start-up time ever …Business Wire

Examples of power up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Meanwhile, on a mountaintop in northern Chile, the US National Science Foundation and Stanford University researchers are preparing to power up the world’s largest digital camera inside the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. Jackie Wattles, CNN, 26 Oct. 2024 This solar power charging bank offers campers two options to power up: a charging cable and solar power. Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2024
Noun
With at least 20 grams of protein per serving, every powder below should work like Super Mario power-ups for your shakes, smoothies, and sweet treats. Suzy Forman, SELF, 21 Nov. 2024 There are a lot of new layers to the Zombies mode this time around with elaborate boss fights, randomized, time sensitive power-ups, upgradable items, and multiple ways to explore. Cade Onder, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for power up 

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1970, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1979, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of power up was in 1970

Dictionary Entries Near power up

Cite this Entry

“Power up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/power%20up. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

power up

verb
: to cause to operate
power up the computer
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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